A Primer for Preaching Matthew: (A Primer for Preaching)

Every communicator of God's word faces the daunting task of moving from text to application. We sit down to study a section of Scripture convinced that God's people need to hear what God is saying in this particular passage and, more than that, need to be commissioned by what God is demanding in this particular passage. But how can that demand be discerned appropriately? In what way is this pericope distinct from those surrounding it? Is there a way that a preacher can move from an ancient text to a valid application and present the latter with urgency, confidence, and authority? And, if so, how?

A Primer for Preaching Matthew seeks to offer a starting point and supplement to this foundational and demanding task. It is an inspirational introduction to preaching Matthew's Gospel, a springboard to bigger and better things, and a launching pad toward life-changing presentations of God's life-changing word.

"Good preaching is hard, challenging work. Sermons that are faithful to the inspired text of Scripture often do not come together quickly and easily. So, preachers young and old welcome resources that give them real help as they labour in their divinely-given task of preaching the word. Using the Gospel of Matthew, Josiah Boyd's book is such a welcome resource. Pastor Boyd gives excellent insights in traveling from the text of scripture to the destination of exegesis and application. Along the way, clear suggestions are given as well as helpful warnings. A fatal flaw in many sermons today is the preachers' heavy emphasis on application, but application that is not based on solid exegesis of the text. This casts serious doubt on the validity of their applications, as well as the legitimacy of their exegesis. This book charts a path which avoids creating such defective sermons. This book might prove to be a well-used book in one's library."

"For anyone intending to lead a study on Matthew's Gospel, but not sure where to start, or who finds himself short on the prep-time necessary for verse-by-verse exposition, A Primer for Preaching Matthew will prove a Godsend. Josiah Boyd's arrangement of the material in this book will leave readers wishing more resources were available in this same format."

"Boyd's work will be of great value to those preaching through the first Gospel; with sample sermons, as well as a summary statement of the theological foci of respective pericopes, homileticians, both novices and veterans, will find this tome helpful, particularly those keen to tackle Matthew in its entirety, pericope by pericope. I myself will be sure to refer to it when I get that privilege."

"Oft-touted as the hallmark of a great teacher, instructor, or mentor is the ability to lead by example, and that is exactly what Josiah Boyd accomplishes in A Primer for Preaching Matthew. He introduces a clear and convicting methodology about the importance of deriving valid sermonic application from a given texts' theology, then demonstrates through his sample sermons on the Gospel of Matthew how to put that method into practice. Boyd's book is exactly what it claims to be: a primer. An excellent and practical starting point for anyone looking to preach, study, or even just gain a better understanding of the depths of what Matthew is doing with what he is saying."

"Whether a young graduate or seasoned preacher, here is a tool for your peg board that offers creative packaging and solid theological anchors in understanding and teaching the Gospel of Matthew. Boyd gives us a fresh approach with his language of maps of movements over the more traditional and somewhat wooden outlines that we are frequently served. However, Boyd then goes a step further in providing a sample manuscript which is easily adjustable to any pastor's setting. While commentaries on Matthew abound, here is a resource that is practical, instantly usable, and trustworthy."